Here is the rewritten article, structured with clean HTML, optimized for SEO, and expanded into a comprehensive analysis while adhering to the requested style and word count.

President’s New Year message lacked hope and sincerity – NPP’s Senyo Amekplenu

Introduction

In the wake of the New Year, political discourse in Ghana has been ignited by a scathing critique of the President’s annual address. A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communication Team, Senyo Amekplenu, has publicly condemned President John Mahama’s New Year message, characterizing it as devoid of the hope, sincerity, and reassurance expected by the citizenry. This article delves deep into the specifics of Amekplenu’s critique, exploring the emotional and political ramifications of the President’s speech and the ensuing debate regarding the administration’s “reset” narrative.

Key Points

Background

The tradition of the New Year message is a staple in Ghanaian politics, serving as a vital communication channel between the Head of State and the populace. It is traditionally viewed as an opportunity to set the political and economic tone for the coming year, address national anxieties, and rally the country around a shared vision.

Following the delivery of President John Mahama’s address on January 1st, reactions began to pour in from various political spectrums. However, the response from Senyo Amekplenu, a member of the NPP’s influential Communication Team, stood out for its intensity and personal nature. Speaking on the PleasureNews AM Show on Friday, January 2, 2026, Amekplenu did not merely critique the policy points; he expressed a profound sense of emotional disappointment.

Amekplenu’s reaction reflects a broader sentiment among opposition supporters who closely monitor the President’s rhetoric for signs of policy shifts or conciliatory gestures. The timing of the message is critical, coming at a juncture where the Ghanaian economy and social stability remain key concerns for voters. The NPP’s focus on the President’s speech underscores the high-stakes nature of political messaging in the lead-up to future electoral cycles.

Analysis

Senyo Amekplenu’s critique of the President’s New Year message can be analyzed through three distinct lenses: emotional resonance, rhetorical credibility, and policy substance.

Emotional Resonance and the Youth Vote

Amekplenu’s statement that he “wept as a youngster in this nation” is a powerful rhetorical device designed to connect with the youth demographic. By framing his critique through the lens of youthful disappointment, he suggests that the President’s message failed to address the aspirations and anxieties of the next generation. The critique implies that the speech was detached from the lived realities of Ghanaians, specifically regarding economic opportunities and national morale. The lack of “assurance” mentioned by Amekplenu points to a perceived failure in leadership to inspire confidence.

Rhetorical Credibility: The Charge of “Pseudologia Fantastica”

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Amekplenu’s commentary is his use of the term “pseudologia fantastica.” While clinically defined as a psychiatric condition involving elaborate fabrications, Amekplenu uses the term to characterize the President’s governance style. He argues that the administration relies on “deception or selective truth-telling.”

This accusation targets the credibility of the government’s claims of success. Amekplenu dismisses the President’s assertions of reducing specific metrics or achieving milestones as “shambolic” and “empty claims.” This suggests a breakdown in trust where the opposition views the government’s data and achievements not as policy outcomes, but as political spin devoid of substance.

The “Reset” Narrative: A Scam or a Strategy?

President Mahama’s concept of a “reset” for the nation was intended to signal a fresh start or a corrective measure for the country’s trajectory. However, Amekplenu vehemently rejects this narrative, labeling the “reset mantra” a “rip-off or a fraud firm.”

The core of this disagreement lies in the definition of inclusivity. The President argued, “whether you voted for the NDC, whether you voted for me or not, we’re all Ghanaians. The reset is for all of us.” Amekplenu challenges this directly, asking where specific segments of the Ghanaian population fit into this agenda. By questioning the inclusivity, he implies that the “reset” is a partisan tool rather than a unifying national project. This analysis highlights the deep polarization in Ghanaian politics, where even unifying rhetoric is often met with skepticism.

Practical Advice

For political observers, students of governance, and the general public trying to navigate these conflicting narratives, the following practical advice is essential:

How to Evaluate Political Messages

When analyzing political speeches like the New Year message, it is crucial to separate emotional delivery from factual content. Here is a checklist for the discerning citizen:

1. Verify Claims: When the President claims to have “reduced this” or “improved that,” check independent sources like the Ghana Statistical Service or the Bank of Ghana for data verification.
2. Identify the Target Audience: Determine who the speech is speaking to. Is it aimed at international investors, political base, or the undecided youth? Amekplenu’s reaction suggests the latter group felt ignored.
3. Analyze the Tone: Does the speech offer specific policy solutions, or is it heavy on rhetoric? Amekplenu’s critique suggests the message relied heavily on the latter.
4. Watch for “We” vs. “I”: Analyze the pronouns used. A shift from “we” (the nation) to “I” (the leader) or vice versa can indicate a change in political strategy.

Engaging with Political Discourse

Citizens should engage with the critiques offered by opposition figures like Senyo Amekplenu. While these views are inherently partisan, they often highlight gaps in government communication or areas where policy results have not translated into public sentiment. Conversely, one should also seek the government’s response to these criticisms to get a full picture of the debate.

FAQ

Conclusion

The criticism leveled by NPP’s Senyo Amekplenu against President John Mahama’s New Year message highlights the intense political polarization in Ghana. By describing the address as lacking hope and sincerity, and by rejecting the “reset” narrative as a “fraud,” Amekplenu articulates a significant portion of the opposition’s perspective: that the government’s rhetoric is disconnected from the economic and social realities facing the youth.

Ultimately, this exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of critical consumption of political news. While the President’s message aimed to project unity and progress, the vehement opposition response underscores the challenge of bridging the divide in a polarized political environment. For the Ghanaian voter, the truth likely lies in the intersection of government data and the lived experiences of the citizenry.